Cocaine Trafficking

Shortly after a shooting spree at the Dadeland Mall in July 11, 1979 that popularized the term "cocaine cowboys" in Miami, Dade County Homicide Lieutenant Robert Willis told the Washington Post that he had investigated almost as many drug-related killings in the first six months of that year (23) as in all of the prior year (28). "The word on the street," Willis told the Post, "is that there's going to be more because of the Dadeland Mall thing."

The violence and bloodshed associated with the War on Drugs in Miami inevitably led to law enforcement agencies making it a greater priority to put alleged cocaine offenders behind bars. Trafficking in cocaine is perhaps the most serious possible crime, with convictions possibly resulting in decades in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.

Attorney for Cocaine Trafficking Arrests in Miami-Dade County, FL

If you were arrested or think that you could be under investigation for allegedly trafficking in cocaine anywhere in South Florida, it is in your best interest to exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal counsel. The Hoffman Firm defends clients charged with drug offenses in communities throughout Miami-Dade County, such as Key Biscayne, Aventura, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Opa-locka, Miami, North Miami, South Miami, and many others.

Florida Statute § 893.135(b) establishes that it is a first-degree felony if any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into Florida, or is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 28 grams or more of cocaine or of any mixture containing cocaine. Convictions for trafficking in cocaine are punishable as follows:

28 grams or more, but less than 200 grams — Minimum of three years up to 30 years in prison and/or fine of up to $50,000;

200 grams or more, but less than 400 grams — Minimum of seven years up to 30 years in prison and/or fine of up to $100,000;

400 grams or more, but less than 150 kilograms — Minimum of 15 years up to 30 years in prison and/or fine of up to $250,000;

150 kilograms or more — Life in prison with ineligibility for any form of discretionary early release.

Because Miami plays such a prominent role in the alleged importation of cocaine into the United States, it is not uncommon for alleged offenders to occasionally face federal criminal charges. When a person is accused of any kind of federal drug crime, the prosecutor will have far greater resources with which to work than his or her state counterpart.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), federal cocaine trafficking offenses involving 500-4,999 grams of cocaine are punishable by mandatory minimums of five years up to 40 years in prison and fines of up to $5 million for individuals or $25 million for non-individuals for first offenses. If the alleged offense involved death or serious bodily injury, a conviction is punishable by a mandatory minimum of 20 years up to life in prison.

Second offenses involving 500-4,999 grams of cocaine are punishable by mandatory minimums of 10 years up to life in prison and fines of up to $8 million for individuals or $50 million for non-individuals. Cases involving death or serious bodily injury are punishable by life in prison.

If an alleged offender is accused of trafficking 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, a first conviction is punishable by a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million for individuals or $50 million for non-individuals. Alleged offenses involving death or serious bodily injury are punishable by mandatory minimums of 20 years up to life in prison.

Second offenses involving 5 kilograms or more of cocaine are punishable by mandatory minimums of 20 years up to life in prison. Cases involving death or serious bodily injury and third or subsequent offenses are punishable by life in prison. Second or subsequent offenses involving 5 kilograms or more of cocaine are also punishable by fines of up to $20 million for individuals or $75 million for non-individuals.

Cocaine Anonymous — Cocaine Anonymous identifies itself as “a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem, and help others to recover from their addiction.” Cocaine Anonymous is similar to Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in that both are 12-step programs but Cocaine Anonymous focuses exclusively on people addicted to cocaine while NA welcomes all types of drug addicts. On this website, you can find dates and times for meetings in the Miami area and a calendar of upcoming events.

Do you believe that you might be under investigation or were you already arrested in Miami-Dade County for allegedly trafficking in cocaine? Even if you know that you are completely innocent, you should still refuse to say anything to authorities until you have first contacted The Hoffman Firm.

Evan A. Hoffman is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Miami who represents individuals in Aventura, North Miami, South Miami, Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Homestead, Hialeah, Doral, and many surrounding areas of South Florida. You can have our lawyer review your case and answer all of your legal questions as soon as you call (305) 249-0090 or complete an online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.

"I found myself in an unfortunate situation. A fried gave me Evan' s personal number and we spoke for over an hour. I felt so reassured and grateful for his time. Needless to say I write this review with great pleasure. A call to thank evan would not be justified as I want anyone who ever finds themselves in my situation to know who to call. Thank you evan I cannot say enough good things about you." Alexander

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Mr. Hoffman was able to get my offenses reduces to a lesser degree. His fees are one of the lowest that I could find for the type of representation that I required. If I ever need to be represented by an attorney I would surely use Mr. Hoffman again. C. Wright

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“HE’S THE BEST!!” If I could give a 10 stars I would. Very professional, kind and understanding. Very prompt in returning my phone calls and updating me on everything. He provided his cell phone number in case I had any question or concerns. I RECOMMEND HIM. He takes his time with you and makes sure you understand STEP BY STEP. So GLAD I picked him. GOT HIM ON SPEED DIAL. Hopefully this helps someone in knowing that they will not be wasting their money. Claudia

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